The police in Enugu State yesterday arraigned a six-year-old boy, Chibuike Oramalu before a magistrate court for murder.
The primary two pupil was charged with the murder of 12-year-old Oluebube Boniface at Independence Layout area of Enugu on May 29.
The offence was allegedly committed with a gun belonging to Chibuike’s mother’s employer, Edwin Oforma.
Oforma was charged along with the minor.
Chibuike was said to have accidentally pulled the trigger of the gun which he found in Oforma’s room.
Soon after the incident, the police arrested and kept Chibuike in what they called ‘protective custody’ for two weeks.
He was released after much public outcry, only to be arraigned before Magistrate Hillary Asogwa for conspiracy and murder yesterday.
A civil society group, Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network (CRRAN), which is leading a campaign for Chibuike’s freedom, expressed shock over the latest development.
It dispatched a petition to the Police Service Commission to sanction all those involved in the saga.
And in a statement yesterday, it said: “During the unlawful 6 weeks sojourn of Chibuike Oramalu, in police cell at the State CID, Enugu, the Police Commissioner had maintained that Chibuike was in ‘protective custody.’
“The case took another dimension this morning when the police called Mrs. Oramalu that she should bring Chibuike to the Police Headquarters. Mrs. Oramalu went there with Chibuiike and Police proceeded to the Magistrates’ Court with Chibuike and Edwin Oforma, the owner of the said gun who had earlier reported to the Police.
“At the Magistrates’ Court, Police filed a Charge of conspiracy and murder against Chibuike and Edwin Oforma. Oforma was also charged with unlawful possession of a Zebra English made double barrel gun.
“Chibuikes’ mother informed us as they were being taken court and we promptly made appearance in court on behalf of the six-year-old boy, Chibuike Oramalu.
“The Learned Magistrates’ His Worship Hillary Asogwa, after listening to our submission, agreed that the 6 year old boy is incapable of committing crime and as such he could not be remanded in prison custody.
“The learned Magistrate, therefore, released Chibuike Oramalu on bond to the mother, but went ahead to remand Mr. Edwin Oforma in prison for murder and unlawful possession of double barrel gun. We attached herewith the said Charge Sheet.
“We salute the courage and wisdom of His Worship Hillary Asogwa in this matter and we know that with likes of him on the bench there is greater hope for the judiciary in this country.”